Big Picture Outlook:

The first week of April was active with significant late-season snowfall for many areas in the West and across New England. 

New England skiers were also treated to clear skies for the total solar eclipse on Monday. Check out this stunning shot from Powderchaser Steve (Chase Powder Daily Snow) at Sugarloaf, Maine:

For the rest of this week and into the weekend of April 13-14, most of North America will see a milder pattern with spring skiing conditions across the Rockies and much of the Western U.S., while the East will see a rainy pattern take hold.

The best chances for meaningful snow during the next 5 days will be across Alaska and British Columbia, and also the Sierra toward the end of this period as a storm reaches California this weekend. 

Forecast for Wed (Apr 10) to Thu (Apr 11):

A warming trend will take hold across the Western U.S. but a weak disturbance on Wednesday will result in scattered light snow showers across the Northern Rockies. A stronger storm will bring more widespread and heavier snow to Alaska and Coastal BC, including Alyeska and Whistler. 

A storm involving milder air will bring widespread rain throughout the Upper Midwest and the East.

Forecast for Fri (Apr 12) to Sat (Apr 13):

A warm and dry pattern will continue for most of the West though a few isolated rain/snow showers could develop across the Northwest and Rockies on Saturday as a low pressure system approaches the West Coast. Snow and rain could begin across California and the Sierra Nevada Range as early as Saturday afternoon.

Further north, snow showers can be expected across the interior of Southern BC on Friday while a storm will bring heavier snow to Alaska. A wet pattern will continue across the East, though the higher peaks of New England and the Mid-Atlantic could potentially see snow mix in at times.

Forecast for Sun (Apr 14) to Mon (Apr 15):

A storm will move across California with moderate snow possible across the Sierra, favoring the southern end of the range. Snow will also spread into the higher terrain of the Southwest by Monday. Further north, a storm will bring snow showers to BC, Alberta, and Washington by late Sunday and into Monday.

An unsettled pattern will linger across the Northeast with periods of light showers expected.

Outlook for Tue (Apr 16) to Sat (Apr 20):

Colder air will return to the West next week in classic spring rollercoaster fashion. The coldest air can be expected across the Central and Northern Rockies. These areas will also be the most favored for snow, especially along and east of the Divide from Alberta to Colorado. 

Ski Resort Closing Dates:

Ski season is winding down across most of North America, though some areas will remain open late into the spring. 

View → Notable North America Ski Resort Projected Closing Dates

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (April 12).

Alan Smith 

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